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Brian Nichols, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
High School: Henderson High School, 1988
Undergraduate: Stephen F. Austin University, 1992
Doctorate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 1997
GET TO KNOW DR. BRIAN
Dr. Brian Nichols is a lifelong East Texan who has called Mt. Pleasant home since 2001. Inspired by his first eye exam in fifth grade, he pursued a career in optometry with the goal of helping others see clearly. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, he completed his Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Houston, where his training included clinical rotations with the Indian Health Service and the U.S. Air Force.
Dr. Nichols began practicing in 1997 and spent eleven years serving patients across Kilgore, Gilmer, and Mt. Pleasant before fulfilling his dream of owning a private practice. In 2008, he became the owner of Mt. Pleasant Eye Care Center, where he continues to provide comprehensive, patient-centered eye care to Mt. Pleasant, Titus County, and the surrounding Northeast Texas communities.
Committed to excellence, Dr. Nichols earned his Board Certification in Optometry in 2011—placing him among the first optometrists in the nation to achieve this distinction. He and his team stay current with the latest advances in eye care, prioritizing ongoing education and training to ensure an exceptional patient experience.
Dr. Nichols and his staff were honored as the Communities in Schools “Best in Texas” Business of the Year (2011) for their work providing eye care to underserved students in Northeast Texas. In 2025, Mt. Pleasant Eye Care Center joined a family of independent practices including Longview Eye Associates, Marshall Eye Associates, and Carthage Eye Associates, expanding their mission to serve the eye care needs of East Texans.
Outside the office, Dr. Nichols enjoys time with his wife, Kerri, and their two children, Luke and Bethani. He is active in his church and community, having served on boards for Habitat for Humanity, Titus County Cares, Chapel Hill Education Foundation, and the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club.
OWNER & CEO, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST, LOW VISION SPECIALIST
Justin Ward, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
Leadership Longview Class of 2018
EDUCATION
High school: Fort Bend Baptist Academy, 2000
Undergraduate: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2004
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2008
Low Vision Residency: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2009
GET TO KNOW DR. JUSTIN
Justin grew up in Sugarland, Texas. He attended University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton, Texas, where he graduated with a BS in Business. There he was involved in many campus organizations. Justin then graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 2008. While in optometry school he led the weekly meetings for the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, and he was in the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society.
Upon graduation from optometry school, Justin completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation. This specialized training focused on enhancing the functional vision of patients with visual impairment from developmental and progressive eye diseases. He worked at the Baylor Medical Center, The Institute for Rehabilitation Research, and Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.
He currently provides Low Vision services for multiple Educational Service Centers for the state of Texas, for the areas surrounding Lufkin/Nacogdoches, Longview, Mount Pleasant and Texarkana. Dr. Ward is also involved with Under the Same Sun, which provides eye care and low vision services to children with ocular albinism in Tanzania, Africa.
In his free time he enjoys running, traveling with his family, and playing electric and acoustic guitar. He and Sarah lead a small group and are involved in the worship ministry at their church. He loves having Nerf fights and building forts with his sons, Crosby and Crockett.
OWNER & CEO, THERAPEUTIC OPTOMETRIST, GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST, PRIMARY PEDIATRIC EYECARE
Sarah Ward, O.D.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Optometric Association
Texas Optometric Association
East Texas Optometric Association
EDUCATION
High school: MacArthur High School, 2002
Undergraduate: Dallas Baptist University, 2006
Graduate: University of Houston College of Optometry, 2010
GET TO KNOW DR. SARAH
Sarah grew up in Irving, Texas and is the youngest of five children. She graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2006 with a BS in Biology. In college, Sarah was involved in many campus activities including Resident Assistants, leading New Student Orientation, Baptist Student Ministry, and Alpha Chi academic honor society. She then attended the University of Houston College of Optometry, and graduated in 2010. While in optometry school, Sarah received several letters of excellence on her clinical performance.
She and Justin Ward married in 2008, and have two sons: Crosby and Crockett. Together they enjoy traveling and camping. Dr. Sarah loves to travel! She's been to South Africa, Kenya, France, Italy, Austria, Ireland, and different regions of Canada. She and Dr. Justin also love to take trips to Disneyworld.
The Mt. Pleasant Eye Care Center family specializes in helping everyone see better and look their best.
Our team of doctors are highly trained in fitting glasses and contact lenses, as well as providing full-scope diagnostic medical eye care. 30 years ago our practice was founded by Dr. Mark Little, who was a well-respected leader in the eye care field for the Longview area.
Drs. Sarah and Justin Ward joined the practice in 2010 and took over ownership in 2014. Under their leadership, Longview Eye Associates has continued to expand and grow while still offering the same excellent care that our patients have come to expect over the past 30 years.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and your family. Please feel free to call us with any questions or to make an appointment.